Fog causes flight delays, road chaos across UAE

Dense fog in the UAE caused chaos on the roads and in the air on Thursday morning.

Abu Dhabi International Airport had suspended all flights due to a technical problem linked to the fog early on Thursday morning. Landings and take-offs resumed by the afternoon, but airport officials say normal operations will not resume for at least 24 hours.

"The operations have resumed, both landings and take-offs," the spokeswoman for Abu Dhabi Airports Co told Reuters. "There was heavy fog so there were some operational challenges."

Etihad Airways said flights were diverted to nearby airports and while departures had resumed, there would be significant delays.

“Diverted flights are returning to Abu Dhabi subject to ground servicing and the arrival of standby operating crews, who are currently being transferred by road and by air where possible,” a spokesman told The National.

Passengers have been advised to check-in as normal but should call the Etihad Airways Contact Centre to confirm their flight status.

Meanwhile, in Dubai, low visibility caused eight flights to be diverted and one cancelled, Gulf News reported.

“Low visibility due to fog is causing delays at #Dubai International. Please check flight status with your airline,” Dubai Airport officials warned via twitter.

ROADS CHAOS

Commuters in Dubai and Abu Dhabi faced delays on the roads due to the weather.

Several accidents were reported across various locations in Dubai, including near Times Square Mall on Sheikh Zayed Road, Hessa Street and the Damascus intersection.

Another multi-vehicle accident occurred on the Dubai-Al Ain highway, causing major delays. Dubai Police tweeted: “Accident between several vehicles on the Dubai-Al Ain Road, before Merghem Bridge, towards Al Ain. Please drive with caution.”

Abu Dhabi police also warned drivers to drive with extra caution, while Dubai's RTA offered tips on safe driving.